The direct descendants of the late Oba Fusengbuwa, Awujale of Ijebuland (1790–1820), gathered last Thursday at Ita-Elero, Ijebu-Ode, to hold a remembrance prayer for their forefathers.
The prayer session, led by Alhaji Tajudeen Adebowale Odueke, younger brother to the family’s eldest member, Prince Adenuga Odueke, was described as both spiritual and symbolic. According to him, the gathering was intended to “stir the spirit of our late patriarchs and matriarchs in prayers, to carry them along on the journey to the throne we are embarking upon, and to sanctify us for what lies ahead.”
“Since the passing of Oba Fusengbuwa over two centuries ago, none of his first-line descendants has ascended the throne. It is only fair for the Adeodu and Okuyadewo families to now be granted access.”
— Alhaji Tajudeen Adebowale Odueke
Alhaji Odueke emphasized that since the passing of Oba Fusengbuwa over two centuries ago, none of his first-line descendants had ascended the throne. He insisted that it was only fair for the Adeodu and Okuyadewo families, recognized as the head clan of the eight ruling clans, to now be granted access to the throne of their forefathers.
At the event, Prince Sakirudeen Bello, another descendant, offered journalists a historical reflection on the significance of Ita-Elero. He explained that the site is central to the family’s story because it was home to their first matriarch.
“All Ijebu-Ode, this is your king. From today, do not call him Aboki again. His name is Adesunmbo Tunwase.” — Okuyemowo, first daughter of Oba Fusengbuwa
Adding further historical context, Prince Ademola Bello recounted the lineage of Oba Fusengbuwa. He explained that the monarch was childless for a long period despite marrying 18 wives. Upon consulting the Ifa oracle, he was advised to marry one of his late father’s widows. After divination, Efunpese was chosen. Though she had ceased childbearing for a decade, traditional remedies revived her fertility, and she bore the king his first child, Adeodu.
To shield her from jealous co-wives, Efunpese was relocated from the royal household in Ile-Nla, Agunsebi, to Ita-Elero, where she gave birth to her children. It was only after these births that other wives began bearing children, giving rise to seven clans of the Fusengbuwa dynasty and making eight of them in all.
“What matters most is peace and unity in this transition.”
— Prince Olatunji Olusegun Adeodu
At some point, Fusengbuwa family were asked to produce another king for the throne of Awujale and Adeodu was picked being the first child but he died seven days while the rites were still being performed. Following the death of Adeodu during enthronement rites, Okuyadewo the sister was approached to present another king but she refused to nominate her children for the throne saying she does not want them killed as Adeodu her brother was killed. But when the call was persistent she presented her half sibling, popularly called “Aboki.” She paid for all the rites and, raising her hand at Itoro in Ijebu-Ode, publicly declared: “All Ijebu-Ode, this is your king. From today, do not call him Aboki again. His name is Adesinmbo Tunwase.”
After his successful coronation, Oba Tunwase reigned with distinction, but since then, inspite of multiple times that the family had had opportunity to present a king, the first clan had never been considered.
Also speaking at the gathering, Prince Olakunle Adeodu, a sixth-generation descendant of Adeodu Fusengbuwa, and his brother Olatunji Olusegun Adeodu, echoed the call for fairness. They argued that while other clans have been repeatedly favoured in producing Awujales, the Adeodu and Okuyadewo lineage should now be given their rightful opportunity.
The prayer session concluded with a resounding call for fairness and justice in the selection of the next Awujale. Descendants urged elders and stakeholders of the Fusengbuwa ruling house to unite and ensure a peaceful, transparent succession process.
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